The impact of a well-thought-out holiday gift can resonate for months, boosting morale and job satisfaction. However, a misstep in gift selection can lead to dissatisfaction and even feelings of insult. According to a survey of 1,500 U.S.-based workers across diverse industries, the stakes of holiday gifting are high.
Money Matters
The survey revealed that a majority of employees (65%) prefer monetary gifts. People want money they can spend on something they’ll actually use. The problem is that companies often miss the mark, leaving over 30% feeling unappreciated.
Solutions: Implement a points-based program at your organization. During the holidays you can do a point upload so your employees have more they can redeem for cash or gifts during the gifting season. The best part is you then have a recognition platform that will keep your employees engaged all year long!
For a quicker holiday solution, consider sending out gift cards inside custom greeting cards. We have a professional design team to help – just submit a request here.
What Misses The Mark
Poorly chosen gifts can have a negative impact on your people. About 31% of respondents reported having received gifts that made them feel unappreciated. Company swag, gift cards with small denominations, and utilitarian gifts top the list of disliked presents. These not only fail to uplift employee satisfaction but can even exacerbate existing workplace issues.
The survey highlights a significant misalignment between the gifts employees receive and their preferences. While 65% prefer monetary gifts, many end up with gift cards to specific retailers, team dinners, or company swag. Understanding employee preferences is crucial for effective gifting. A one-size-fits-all approach does not resonate well with the workforce.
Solutions: Give your employees the autonomy to choose their own gift with a Tango Reward Link. It’s a digital gift card they can redeem exactly how they want. Fast, easy, and let’s them decide how they are appreciated.
We can also set up pop-up storefronts. That way, employees are not receiving a random piece of swag. Each employee gets to choose the item they want. It could be a water bottle, journal, cooler, backpack, charger, apparel, or other product. It would then be customized with your company logo and drop shipped right to each employee’s door!
We’d love to help you get started with whichever solution resonates most with your brand. Just fill out this form to connect!
The ROI of Hitting The Mark
Choosing the right gift matters. Not only because it makes your employees happy in the moment, but because it also yields remarkable returns in the long-term. Forty-six percent of respondents reported increased job satisfaction for a year or more after receiving an ideal holiday gift. Another notable statistic: 92% of respondents experience a positive attitude shift lasting a month or more. That’s a heck of a lot of increased positivity!
So what do you need to know before you get started with a holiday gift plan? The main goal is to understand your employees’ preferences. Do they want money? If they receive a gift, what would be most meaningful for them? Having them fill out “All About You” surveys can be a useful tool.
Creating A Holiday Gifting Plan
It’s time to address the practical aspect of holiday gifting: Budgeting. Create a comprehensive approach for your holiday gifting budget. We recommend gifting to all employees as a gesture of appreciation, rather than using targeted tools like raises and bonuses.
Once you’ve budgeted, it’s time to consider what type of gift to give your employees. Personalized gifts are always amazing but can take time to craft for everyone. Since one size does not fit all, consider one of the solutions above that gives your employees autonomy. Whether it’s a Reward Link, pop-up store, or points, you’ll be able to cover all your bases.
Ultimately, you should be thoughtful in your approach to employee holiday gifting. Once you get it right, you’ll leave a lasting positive impact on employee satisfaction and engagement.
Check our holiday gifting guide below to form your plan!
